GES cautions govt schools against charging unauthorized PTA levies

The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has cautioned heads of public schools across the country to desist from demanding Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues from students.

The Ghana Education Service warning follows received reports that some second-cycle institutions are demanding and collecting various levies under the guise of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues.

“We wish to state that no school has been authorized to collect any Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or development levy without prior approval,” GES said in the statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Daniel Fenyi.

It explained that in basic schools, such approval must come from the District Education Oversight Committee (DEOC) through the District Director of Education, while in second-cycle institutions, authorization must be granted by the Regional Director of Education.

“Even when approved, such payments remain strictly voluntary, and no student should be denied any school service, right or benefit for non-payment,” GES stated.

GES further said no Head teacher, or GES staff member of any educational institution shall be involved in the collection of PTA levies, stressing that fundraising activities remain the exclusive responsibility of duly elected PTA Executives.

The GES has instructed all Regional and District Directors to ensure strict compliance with the directive and to report any breaches for immediate disciplinary action.